How much does car insurance cost in San Diego, CA? Check out the average rates that drivers pay below.
When you think of San Diego, California, you may think of white sand beaches, lazy days in the sun, or riding in the truck that crosses the savannah at the Wild Animal Park. This former naval town has become a city that offers just about everything except an extensive transit system. That’s right: if you want to get around in San Diego, you’d better have your own vehicle. Finding the best auto insurance rate in San Diego, CA, is no more confusing than finding it anywhere else. Once you understand the basics of auto insurance and have a company like SmartFinancial standing by to fast-track your insurance search, you’ve little else to do but sit under a palm tree on Mission Bay, sip some lemonade, and decide where to have supper. Here’s more information on how to get the best coverage for your car.
Car insurance rates vary from driver to driver and are based on many factors that include driving history, claims history and where you live. Each city in California has different rates, and below, you can compare average rates with the national average. According to our data, drivers who live in San Diego typically pay around $129.77 per month compared to the national average of $145.18 per month. The best way to get a low rate is by comparison shopping. SmartFinancial can do that for you at no cost while pairing you with a reputable insurance company so you have no surprises if you have an accident.
Area | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
National | $145.18 |
California | $148.73 |
San Diego, California | $129.77 |
Certain insurers will offer you better rates than others based on a myriad of factors, so you may get a better deal from one insurer over another for various reasons, and that’s why it’s important to compare. According to our data, Aspire Advantage Roadside generally has the most affordable car insurance in San Diego coming in around $96.83 per month. Other companies to consider if you live in San Diego is Direct Auto with an average cost of $98.06 per month and Kemper Auto Premier which typically runs around $109.88 per month. Check out the full list below. SmartFinancial rates the following insurers as the best insurance companies for drivers in San Diego.
Rank | Company | Average Monthly Rate | Comparison State Average |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Aspire Advantage Roadside | $96.83 | -34.90% |
2 | Direct Auto | $98.06 | -34.07% |
3 | Kemper Auto Premier | $109.88 | -26.12% |
4 | Esurance | $123.69 | -16.84% |
5 | Clearcover | $127.04 | -14.58% |
6 | Kemper Personal Insurance | $128.00 | -13.94% |
7 | Mercury Insurance Company | $130.70 | -12.12% |
8 | USAA | $141.12 | -5.11% |
9 | SAFECO | $141.48 | -4.87% |
10 | Unitrin | $144.40 | -2.91% |
Rates can vary from city to city. The residents of Anaheim typically pay $150.18 per month while people who live in Bakersfield will pay $135.96 per month on average. See what people pay for car insurance in other cities in California.
California Cities | Monthly Average Rate |
---|---|
Anaheim | $150.18 |
Bakersfield | $135.96 |
Fresno | $134.26 |
Long Beach | $155.58 |
Los Angeles | $188.91 |
Oakland | $164.07 |
Pasadena | $164.42 |
Riverside | $146.68 |
Sacramento | $145.82 |
San Bernardino | $146.63 |
San Diego | $129.67 |
San Francisco | $164.95 |
San Jose | $139.90 |
Santa Barbara | $127.60 |
Stockton | $140.09 |
Every zip code rates differently with every insurer. Your zip code determines the crime rate in your area as well as other risks. Below, you can see how average rates range across the state of California. If you live in an area that is rated high in crime, you can make sure to garage your car in a safe place. That ought to save you some money. Covered and gated structures are best. Make sure to tell your insurance agent about the precautions you’re taking.
San Diego, CA ZIP Code | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
91945 | $117.11 |
92021 | $149.35 |
92026 | $91.55 |
92037 | $140.89 |
92056 | $118.81 |
92058 | $98.76 |
92065 | $120.66 |
92092 | $158.32 |
92093 | $350.35 |
92101 | $134.24 |
92102 | $129.37 |
92103 | $121.93 |
92104 | $122.85 |
92105 | $136.63 |
92106 | $115.92 |
92107 | $117.87 |
92108 | $147.63 |
92109 | $129.97 |
92110 | $125.13 |
92111 | $124.94 |
92112 | $68.20 |
92113 | $129.29 |
92114 | $130.44 |
92115 | $140.89 |
92116 | $113.44 |
92117 | $123.30 |
92118 | $110.43 |
92119 | $117.16 |
92120 | $120.88 |
92121 | $123.20 |
92122 | $139.42 |
92123 | $134.78 |
92124 | $127.62 |
92126 | $120.32 |
92127 | $135.37 |
92128 | $126.13 |
92129 | $129.86 |
92130 | $140.09 |
92131 | $140.42 |
92134 | $173.71 |
92135 | $146.57 |
92136 | $269.04 |
92138 | $186.34 |
92139 | $128.66 |
92140 | $189.36 |
92145 | $216.59 |
92147 | $155.14 |
92150 | $73.15 |
92153 | $168.16 |
92154 | $124.88 |
92155 | $395.41 |
92160 | $160.94 |
92162 | $164.99 |
92166 | $113.17 |
92168 | $91.66 |
92173 | $107.26 |
92174 | $252.13 |
92175 | $55.04 |
92182 | $146.24 |
92184 | $48.97 |
92193 | $73.73 |
92196 | $98.10 |
92199 | $225.81 |
Generally speaking, you pay more in car insurance the younger you are and the older you are. Teens and young adults often pay around $264.34 per month in San Diego. Compare that to drivers in their 30’s who typically pay around $119.52 per month drivers in their 40s at $113.00 per month. It’s always a good idea to check for discounts that apply at any age. Some discounts include away-at-school discount, safe driver discount, mature driver discount, good student discount as well as multi-policy and bundling discounts.
Age Group | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
16-19 | $264.34 |
20s | $158.30 |
30s | $119.52 |
40s | $113.00 |
50s | $106.62 |
60s | $108.32 |
70+ | $115.99 |
If you are teen in San Diego you are probably looking for a good deal on car insurance. Since teenage drivers typically pay the highest rates of any other age group, it’s important to compare multiple companies. According to our research, Kemper Auto Premier typically charges around $95.20 per month. This is likely the most affordable option in San Diego. You might also want to consider Mercury Insurance Company and National General who also offer good affordable policies for teen drivers.
Company | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Kemper Auto Premier | $95.20 |
Mercury Insurance Company | $191.71 |
National General | $209.86 |
SAFECO | $233.42 |
USAA | $268.28 |
20 year-olds in San Diego might want to consider Direct Auto who, on average, offers car insurance rates around $85.87 per month. Kemper Auto Premier , SAFECO , Mercury Insurance Company and Esurance are also in the top 5 cheapest rates available.
Company | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Direct Auto | $85.87 |
Kemper Auto Premier | $109.77 |
SAFECO | $156.64 |
Mercury Insurance Company | $158.43 |
Esurance | $160.31 |
If you are in your 30s in San Diego our research has found that Clearcover typically has the most affordable coverage coming in around $96.50 per month, followed by Aspire Advantage Roadside at $96.83 and Mercury Insurance Company at $99.26.
Company | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Clearcover | $96.50 |
Aspire Advantage Roadside | $96.83 |
Mercury Insurance Company | $99.26 |
Kemper Auto Premier | $110.86 |
Esurance | $113.47 |
On average, Direct Auto offers car insurance for 40 year-olds in San Diego for around $72.98 per month. If you are looking for affordable coverage, you may also want to consider Kemper Personal Insurance or Mercury Insurance Company. The full list of top companies is below.
Company | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Direct Auto | $72.98 |
Kemper Personal Insurance | $95.50 |
Mercury Insurance Company | $95.66 |
Kemper Auto Premier | $100.45 |
Esurance | $106.57 |
Oftentimes 50 year-olds enjoy some of the lowest rates of any other age group. In San Diego we found that Clearcover generally offers the most affordable coverage at $63.17 per month.
Company | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Clearcover | $63.17 |
Direct Auto | $73.56 |
Mercury Insurance Company | $91.75 |
Esurance | $101.93 |
SAFECO | $118.89 |
If you live in San Diego and you’re in your 60s, our data indicates that Esurance usually has the best rates at $102.67 per month. The top 5 list of car insurance companies is below.
Company | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Esurance | $102.67 |
Mercury Insurance Company | $103.95 |
Kemper Auto Premier | $105.35 |
Mercury | $115.79 |
21st Century | $117.37 |
Typically, drivers who currently have car insurance coverage will receive a cheaper monthly quote than drivers who do not. Since car insurance is a requirement in all 50 states, companies may question why you don't currently have coverage. Because of this, they may see you as a higher risk driver. In San Diego, the average monthly rate for a driver who is currently insured is $127.11 while drivers who are not currently covered will pay around $133.02.
Coverage | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Not Currently Insured | $133.02 |
Currently Insured | $127.11 |
Your vehicle plays a big part in how you rate for car insurance. The more your car is worth, the higher your car insurance rate. To lower your monthly premiums, you can set a higher deductible, but you’ll need to pay that deductible if you have an accident. Generally speaking, the newer a car is, the more it’s worth, and you may pay more in premiums, but the latest safety features will earn you a discount. The overall safety ratings of a car are also considered when determining your rate. In San Diego a driver of a 2023 Honda Accord can expect to pay around $97.53 per month while someone that owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla may pay around $106.98 per month. Check out the list of recent quotes in San Diego below.
Vehicle | Average Monthly Rate |
---|---|
2023 Honda Accord | $97.53 |
2022 Toyota Corolla | $106.98 |
2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml | $84.17 |
2018 Chevrolet Trax | $96.18 |
2021 Subaru Impreza | $131.10 |
2017 Nissan Sentra | $71.14 |
2007 Toyota Avalon | $123.35 |
2023 Volkswagen Taos | $101.07 |
2019 Hyundai Sonata | $138.26 |
2005 Toyota Camry | $65.22 |
San Diego Auto Insurance Requirements
In San Diego, you are required to have auto liability insurance coverage.
What Is the Minimum Amount of Liability Coverage Requirement in San Diego?
What Is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit in San Diego?
In California and every other state, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level limit is 0.08%. If you have a BAC of 0.08% you are legally considered drunk or intoxicated. A high BAC could result in a DUI or a DWI. If you have a DUI on your record and are seeking lower rates, let SmartFinancial find you the right insurer.
Can I Register My Car Without Insurance in San Diego?
Your liability insurance coverage must be in effect while the registration on the car is valid, even if you do not use the car. Your insurance must be issued by a company authorized by the CAA State Department of Financial Services and certified by CA State DMV. Your insurance must also be issued in the name of the vehicle registrant and remain in that registrant’s name at all times.
Check Out Other Rates in San Diego, CA Nearby Cities:
Commute Time in San Diego, CA
24 MilesCommute Time in United States
26.4 MilesNumber of Nearest Insurance Agents in San Diego, CA
136 Methodology
The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.
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